Azamara Cruise Guide
Azamara is the destination immersion specialist — small ships (684 guests) that stay longer in port, arrive earlier, depart later, and include more overnight stays than any comparable cruise line. Azamara's philosophy is simple: the destination is the point of the cruise, and the ship exists to deliver you there in comfort and style.
What Makes Azamara Different?
Azamara's ships arrive early and stay late — often until midnight. Where other ships leave at 5pm, Azamara passengers are having dinner at a local restaurant, watching the sunset from a harbourside cafe, or attending an AzAmazing Evening cultural event. The difference is transformative: you experience destinations as more than a 6-hour dash.
The ships (Azamara Journey, Quest, Onward, Pursuit) carry just 684 guests. This intimate size creates a boutique hotel atmosphere — staff know your name, the captain hosts cocktail parties, and fellow passengers become friends. The all-inclusive pricing covers beverages, specialty dining, AzAmazing Evenings, and self-service laundry.
How Does Azamara Handle Port Days?
Azamara's port programme is the most immersive in mainstream cruising. Late departures, overnight stays, and small ports that bigger ships skip create opportunities for genuine exploration. When your ship doesn't leave until midnight, you can have a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, walk the town as the evening crowds arrive, and experience the destination as residents do.
AzAmazing Evenings: These complimentary events are bucket-list experiences — a private concert in a Greek amphitheatre, an evening in a Dubrovnik fortress, or a cultural performance in a Japanese temple. They're included in the fare and create memories that outlast the cruise.
Who Sails Azamara?
Azamara attracts curious, independent travellers (typically 50+) who have outgrown mega-ships and want destinations, not distractions. Many are experienced cruisers who've tried the big lines and want something more intimate and immersive. Solo travellers, couples, and friend groups who prioritise cultural experiences over ship activities find Azamara ideal.
How Lucy Helps on Azamara Cruises
Azamara's extended port stays make Lucy especially valuable. When you're exploring a Croatian coastal town at 9pm, the tourist-friendly English menus disappear and you're reading authentic local menus. Lucy translates them instantly. On Greek islands, Lucy reads taverna chalkboards and market signs. In Southeast Asia, Lucy handles Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese with equal ease. Azamara gives you the time to explore properly — Lucy gives you the language to do it.
Popular Itineraries
Greek Island Intensive
Ports: Athens (Piraeus), Patmos, Rhodes, Bodrum (Turkey), Santorini, Nafplion, Monemvasia
Croatia & Montenegro
Ports: Venice, Koper, Zadar, Split, Hvar, Kotor, Dubrovnik
Japan Cherry Blossom
Ports: Tokyo, Shimizu, Osaka, Kochi, Hiroshima, Busan, Tokyo
Southeast Asia
Ports: Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue/Da Nang, Halong Bay, Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Ko Samui
Dining On Board
Main Dining
Discoveries Restaurant is the main dining room with open-seating and a menu that reflects the sailing region. The Patio offers casual poolside dining. The Living Room serves small plates and cocktails in an elegant lounge setting.
Specialty Restaurants
Aqualina (Italian, included), Prime C (steakhouse, included). Both specialty restaurants are included in the fare. The Atlas Bar serves premium cocktails in a speakeasy-style setting. All beverages (spirits, wine, beer) are included.
Dietary Accommodations
Azamara's intimate ship size means the kitchen knows your preferences by name. Dietary accommodations are handled with personalised attention. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options are available at every meal. The small-ship advantage means flexibility — if you want something not on the menu, ask and the kitchen will create it.
How Lucy Helps on Azamara
- •Explore port towns during late-night stays — translate restaurant menus, bar signage, and cultural venues after dark
- •Navigate small Greek islands and Croatian coastal towns where English signage is limited
- •Communicate with local restaurant owners during Azamara's extended port stays
- •Translate Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese signage on Southeast Asia and Japan itineraries